Eugene Domingo, known for her impeccable comedic timing and charm, praised social media personality Sassa Gurl as they hosted the Philippine reboot of the popular Japanese game show Takeshi's Castle alongside Smokey Manaloto.

During the grand media conference of the show at the Borro Manila on Nov. 8, Eugene shared what she likes the most about Sassa's humor on the internet. 

"Ngayon ko lang sasabihin sa ‘yo, ini-stalk kita. I really find your posts, your utak so mataba and I think in your generation, if you can, if some people, some producers will really trust you, you can be the next Kimmy Dora. Pero since walang nagtitiwala, sorry. So sabi ko, ‘Makakatrabaho ko si Sassa Gurl!’ Na-starstruck ako na kinabahan ako," Eugene said. 

(This is the first time I'm telling you this, I'm stalking you. I find your posts and your brain very witty and I think in your generation, if you can, if some people, some producers will really trust you, you can be the next Kimmy Dora. But since no one trusts, sorry. So I said, 'I can work with Sassa Gurl!' I was so starstruck that I was nervous) 

Eugene also shared that she's excited to work with Sassa because she is not afraid to show her true self with her craft. 

"It’s an exciting job opportunity to work with these upcoming comedians na iba na yung level nila. Hindi sila sa TV sumikat, so social media. But they’re doing very, very well. At ang dami din nilang tagahanga. At saka, wala siyang takot," Eugene added. 

(It's an exciting job opportunity to work with these upcoming comedians who are at a different level. They didn't get famous on TV, so social media. But they're doing very, very well. And they also have a lot of fans. Besides, she has no fear) 

With her well-known red blush and the term "Mima kong maasim," Sassa Gurl can't help but feel overwhelmed by working with Eugene and Smokey on the show. 

"Alam mo hindi ko talaga naimagine na makakareceive ako sa kanila ng compliment sa kanilang dalawa. Pressured lang ng konti kasi nga bago pa lang talaga ako dito. So, never in my wildest dream na makakatrabaho ko sila, kaya feeling ko blessed talaga ako this year," Sassa said. 

(You know, I didn't imagine that I would be able to receive a compliment from these two. Maybe I'm just a little pressured because I'm new here. So, never in my wildest dream would I be able to work with them, so I feel blessed this year) 

Making people laugh

After years of experience, Eugene and Smokey shared how difficult it is to make people laugh in today's society.

"Sa totoo lang kapag wala kang sinaktang tao, at ang intensyon mo sa pagpapatawa ay hindi pangungutya, I think kaya naman makagawa ng punchline na hindi ka makakasama and at the same time mapapatawa mo pa yung mga tao," Smokey said. 

(Honestly, when you don't hurt anyone, and your intention in making fun is not mockery, I think that's why you can make a punchline that you can't get along with, and at the same time you can make people laugh) 

With the rise of digital media, telling jokes has become a minefield of potential offensiveness.

"Depende naman kasi siguro yan sa target market, pero it is never hard if you are authentic, it's never hard to make people laugh," Eugene added. 

(Maybe it depends on the target market, but it's never hard if you're authentic, it's never hard to make people laugh)

Takeshi's Castle made its triumphant return with a global premiere in Tokyo earlier this year, the Filipino reboot promises to be a delightful fusion of comedy and nostalgia, embracing elements that resonate with local audiences.

Also joining Eugene, Sassa, and Smokey on the show are guest-star commentators, such as Maris Racal, Zanjoe Marudo, and Ketchup Eusebio.

Mark your calendars for Nov. 16, as the two episodes from this eight-part series are scheduled to make their debut, with two weekly episodes to follow every week.